Glycemia Management and Cardiovascular Risk in Type 2 Diabetes: An Evolving Perspective

ObjectiveTo review recent glycemia trials focused on reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with type 2 diabetes and to describe how the results of these studies have altered our approach to the management of glycemia in patients with diabetes.MethodsResults of some of the previous as well as recent trials, including the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD), Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease (ADVANCE), and Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT), are reviewed.ResultsThe results demonstrate that the establishment of glycemia (hemoglobin A1c) goals in patients with type 2 diabetes aimed at reducing CVD events is complex, should be highly individualized, and should probably be varied depending on the duration of diabetes as well as the presence or absence of CVD and microvascular complications.ConclusionResults of the ACCORD, ADVANCE, and VADT studies have considerably increased our knowledge and refined our approach to establishing glycemia goals in patients with type 2 diabetes. In patients with recently recognized diabetes with no prior CVD events, glycemic control to normal or near-normal levels appears to be effective in preventing CVD events and mortality. In patients with established diabetes (8 to 10 or more years) and recognized CVD, however, glycemic control to normal or near-normal levels does not reduce the risk of further CVD events or mortality. Importantly, strict control of all known risk factors for CVD and microvascular complications by aggressive management of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and glycemia, use of aspirin, and cessation of smoking in patients with type 2 diabetes has proved to be highly beneficial. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:639-643)     

Risk Factors for Hearing Impairment in Type 1 Diabetes

Objective: Studies have demonstrated that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a significant predictor of hearing impairment in type 1 diabetes. We identified additional factors associated with hearing impairment in participants with type 1 diabetes from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial and its observational follow-up, the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (DCCT/EDIC) study.Methods: A total of 1,150 DCCT/EDIC participants were recruited for the Hearing Study. A medical history, physical measurements, and a self-administered hearing questionnaire were obtained. Audiometry was performed by study-certified personnel and assessed centrally. Logistic regression models assessed the association of risk factors and comorbidities with speech- and high-frequency hearing impairment.Results: Mean age was 55 ± 7 years, duration of diabetes 34 ± 5 years, and DCCT/EDIC HbA1c 7.9 ± 0.9% (63 mmol/mol). In multivariable models, higher odds of speech-frequency impairment were significantly associated with older age, higher HbA1c, history of noise exposure, male sex, and higher triglycerides. Higher odds of high-frequency impairment were associated with older age, male sex, history of noise exposure, higher skin intrinsic florescence (SIF) as a marker of tissue glycation, higher HbA1c, nonprofessional/nontechnical occupations, sedentary activity, and lower low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. Among participants who previously completed computed tomography and carotid ultrasonography, coronary artery calcification (CAC) >0 and carotid intima-medial thickness were significantly associated with high-but not speech-frequency impairment.Conclusion: Consistent with previous reports, male sex, age, several metabolic factors, and noise exposure are independently associated with hearing impairment. The association with SIF further emphasizes the importance of glycemia—as a modifiable risk factor—over time. In addition, the macrovascular contribution of CAC is novel and important.Abbreviations: AER = albumin excretion rate; CAC = coronary artery calcification; CVD = cardiovascular disease; DCCT/EDIC = Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications; eGFR = estimated glomerular filtration rate; ETDRS = Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study; HbA1c = glycated hemoglobin; HDL = high-density lipoprotein; IMT = intima-media thickness; LDL = low-density lipoprotein; NHANES = National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; OR = odds ratio; SIF = skin intrinsic fluorescence; T1D = type 1 diabetes     

The Incidence and Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Related Atherosclerotic Complications in Korea: A National Health Insurance Database Study

Aims/Introduction

The incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and related macrovascular complications in Korea were estimated using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) database from 2007–2011, which covers the claim data of 97.0% of the Korean population.

Materials and Methods

T2DM, coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), and peripheral artery disease (PAD) were defined according to ICD-10 codes. We used the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes provided by HIRA to identify associated procedures or surgeries. When calculating incidence, we excluded cases with preexisting T2DM within two years before the index year. A Poisson distribution was assumed when calculating 95% confidence intervals for prevalence and incidence rates.

Results

The prevalence of T2DM in Korean adults aged 20–89 years was 6.1–6.9% and the annual incidence rates of T2DM ranged from 9.5–9.8/1,000 person-year (PY) during the study period. The incidence rates of T2DM in men and women aged 20–49 years showed decreasing patterns from 2009 to 2011 (P<0.001); by contrast, the incidence in subjects aged 70–79 years showed increased patterns from 2009 to 2011 (P<0.001). The incidence rates of CAD and CVD in patients newly diagnosed with T2DM were 18.84/1,000 PY and 11.32/1,000 PY, respectively, in the year of diagnosis. Among newly diagnosed individuals with T2DM who were undergoing treatment for PAD, 14.6% underwent angioplasty for CAD during the same period.

Conclusions

Our study measured the national incidences of T2DM, CAD, CVD, and PAD, which are of great concern for public health. We also confirmed the relatively higher risk of CAD and CVD newly detected T2DM patients compared to the general population in Korea.     

Associations of galectin-3 expression and LGALS-3 (rs4652) gene variant with coronary artery disease risk in diabetics

BackgroundGalectin-3 protein encoded by lectin galactoside-binding soluble-3 (LGALS-3) gene is an important genetic factor in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its cardiovascular obstacles in various populations. We aimed to elicit the pro-inflammatory effect of galectin-3 as determined by interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum levels and to explore the relationship between galectin-3 (LGALS-3 rs4652) gene variant and its expression levels with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk among T2DM Egyptian patients.Methods112 lean subjects were compared to 100 T2DM without CAD and 84 T2DM with CAD. A tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction was used to test LGALS-3 (rs4652), and galectin3 expression was tested with a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum IL-6 was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsWe found that the prevalence of LGALS-3 (rs4652) AC genotype and galectin-3 gene expression levels in T2DM with CAD were significantly higher than the additional 2 groups and were correlated positively to IL-6 circulating levels. Also, the C allele carriers (AC+CC) had significantly higher relative Galectin-3 expression levels compared to the A allele carriers (AA).ConclusionsWe concluded that galectin-3 expression levels and LGALS-3 (rs4652) AC genotype were coronary artery disease risk factors in people with type two diabetes among an Egyptian sample.     

The Rationale for Prandial Glycemic Control in Diabetes Mellitus

Background:Diabetes mellitus (DM) is of epidemic proportions worldwide, and its microvascular and macrovascular complications have been well described. Achieving glycemic control has been demonstrated to reduce patients' risk of developing these complications.Objective:The objective of this article was to examine how prandial hyperglycemia-especially postprandial hyperglycemia (PPHG)-affects overall glycemic control and the complications of DM and to discuss the pharmacologic agents available to reduce PPHG.Methods:Materials used for this article were identified through a MEDLINE search of the literature (1975–2006). English-language randomized, controlled, prospective, cohort, and observational studies were chosen using the search terms postprandial hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, cardiovascular disease, macrovascular disease, microvascular disease, lipidemia, and coagulation.Results:Data show that controlling prandial hyperglycemia reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) andmicrovascular complications, lowers glycosylated hemoglobin levels, causes less oxidative stress, and leads to a more favorable coagulation and postprandial lipidemia profile. Guidelines for targeting PPHG are becoming standard, and various pharmacologic agents (eg, a-glucosidase inhibitors, amylin analogues, incretin mimetics, rapid-acting insulins and insulin analogues, meglitinide analogues) that target PPHG may also improve overall glycemic control and reduce CVD risk.Conclusions:Although the level of hyperglycemia that leads to microvascular and macrovascular complications inpatients with DM remains to be elucidated, it appears prudent to address prandial hyperglycemia, especially PPHG, rather than focus solely on fasting glucose levels. Clinicians should consider incorporating agents that lower PPHG in their treatment of patients with DM.     

Screening for celiac disease in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus: worth it or not?

Background

Recent studies have demonstrated that immune factors might have a role in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Inappropriate glycemic control in patients with T2DM is an important risk factor for the occurrence of diabetes complications. The prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is high in type 1 diabetes mellitus however, there are scarce data about its prevalence in T2DM. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of celiac disease among insulin-using type 2 diabetes patients with inappropriate glycemic control.

Methods

IgA tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTGA IgA) test was performed as a screening test. A total of 135 patients with T2DM whose control of glycemia is inappropriate (HbAlc value >7%) in spite of using insulin treatment for at least 3-months (only insulin or insulin with oral antidiabetic drugs) and 115 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with duodenal biopsy was performed to all patients with raised tTGA IgA or selective lgA deficiency.

Results

Gender, age, body mass index (BMI) and tTGA IgA, kreatinin, calcium, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol, 25-OH vitamin D₃ levels were similar between groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, postprandial plasma glucose, urea, sodium, HbA1c, LDL-C, triglyceride, vitamin B12 levels were significantly higher in DM group (p < 0.0001). BMI, high-sensitive CRP, microalbuminuria, and AST, ALT, potassium, phosphorus levels were significantly higher in the T2DM group (p < 0.05). HDL-cholesterol and parathormone levels were significantly lower in the T2DM group (p < 0.05). Two of the 135 patients with T2DM were diagnosed with CD (1.45%).

Conclusions

The prevalence of celiac disease among patients with type 2 diabetes, with poor glycemic control despite insulin therapy, is slightly higher than the actual CD prevalence in general population. Type 2 diabetic patients with inappropriate control of glycemia in spite of insulin treatment might be additionally tested for Celiac disease especially if they have low C-peptide levels.

     

Associations Between Triglyceride/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Micro- and Macroangiopathies in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: The triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio has been reported to be a marker of insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between the TG/HDL-C ratio and micro- and macroangiopathies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).Methods: A total of 1,981 (851 male and 1,130 female) patients with type 2 DM were enrolled from our outpatient clinic. These patients were stratified into 4 groups according to TG/HDL-C ratio quartiles.Results: There were significant trends for stepwise increases in albuminuria ≥30 mg/g (P<.001), coronary artery disease (CAD, P =.040), cerebrovascular disease (CVA, P =.002) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) <0.9 (P =.001) corresponding to TG/HDL-C ratio quartiles, but not diabetic retinopathy (P =.105). Furthermore, quartile 4 of the TG/HDL-C ratio was significantly associated with albuminuria, CAD, CVA, and ABI <0.9 after multivariate analysis compared to quartile 1.Conclusion: A high TG/HDL-C ratio was significantly associated with albuminuria, CAD, CVA, and peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) in patients with DM, which translated into an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.Abbreviations: ABI = ankle-brachial index; ACEI = angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; ARB = angiotensin II receptor blocker; BMI = body mass index; CAD = coronary artery disease; CI = confidence interval; CVA = cerebrovascular disease; DM = diabetes mellitus, DR = diabetic retinopathy; eGFR = estimated glomerular filtration rate; HbA1c = glycated hemoglobin A1c; HDL-C = high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; OR = odds ratio; PAOD = peripheral artery occlusive disease; TGs = triglycerides     

2型糖尿病患者血浆chemerin水平与其冠脉病变程度的相关性分析

目的:探讨2型糖尿病患者血浆趋化素(chemerin)水平与冠脉病变程度的关系。方法:选取2011年1月~2012年2月我院收治的2型糖尿病(T2DM)患者92例,均行冠状动脉造影检查。按冠状动脉造影结果分为单纯2型糖尿病无冠状动脉病变组26例(DM0);合并单支冠状动脉病变组32例(DM1);合并双支以上病变组34例(DM2)。另选取正常健康行冠脉造影检查者25例作为正常对照组(NC)。采用酶联免疫吸附法检测各组入选者血浆chemerin水平,并分析其与冠脉病变程度的相关性。结果:T2DM及T2DM合并冠状动脉病变患者血浆chemerin水平与NC组对比均明显升高,并且与冠状动脉病变严重程度呈正相关(P0.05)。各组血浆Chemerin水平与BMI、HOMA-IR、TC、和APOB各指标间呈显著正相关(r分别为0.781、0.723、0.415、0.694,P均0.01)。结论:2型糖尿病患者冠状动脉病变的发生发展可能与血浆chemerin升高有关。     

Relationships of Obesity and Fat Distribution With Atherothrombotic Risk Factors: Baseline Results From the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) Trial

The impact of obesity on cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and established coronary artery disease (CAD) is controversial; whether BMI and/or waist circumference correlate with atherothrombotic risk factors in such patients is uncertain. We sought to evaluate whether higher BMI or waist circumference are associated with specific risk factors among 2,273 Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) study participants with T2DM and documented CAD (baseline data, mean age 62 years, 66% non‐Hispanic white, 71% men). Multiple linear regression models were constructed after adjusting for sex, age, race/ethnicity, US vs. non‐US site, diabetes duration, exercise, smoking, alcohol, and relevant medication use. First‐order partial correlations of BMI with risk factors after controlling for waist circumference and of waist circumference with risk factors after controlling for BMI were also evaluated. Ninety percent of the patients were overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m²); 68% of men and 89% of women had high‐risk waist circumference measures (≥102 and ≥88 cm, respectively). BMI and waist circumference, in separate models, explained significant variation in metabolic (insulin, lipids, blood pressure (BP)) and inflammatory/procoagulation (C‐reactive protein, PAI‐1 activity and antigen, and fibrinogen) risk factors. In partial correlation analyses BMI was independently associated with BP and inflammatory/procoagulation factors, waist circumference with lipids, and both BMI and waist circumference with insulin. We conclude that, in cross‐sectional analyses, both BMI and waist circumference, independently, are associated with increased atherothrombotic risk in centrally obese cohorts such as the BARI 2D patients with T2DM and CAD.     

Akt Links Insulin Signaling to Albumin Endocytosis in Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become an epidemic, causing a significant decline in quality of life of individuals due to its multisystem involvement. Kidney is an important target organ in DM accounting for the majority of patients requiring renal replacement therapy at dialysis units. Microalbuminuria (MA) has been a valuable tool to predict end-organ damage in DM but its low sensitivity has driven research efforts to seek other alternatives. Albumin is taken up by albumin receptors, megalin and cubilin in the proximal tubule epithelial cells. We demonstrated that insulin at physiological concentrations induce albumin endocytosis through activation of protein kinase B (Akt) in proximal tubule epithelial cells. Inhibition of Akt by a phosphorylation deficient construct abrogated insulin induced albumin endocytosis suggesting a role for Akt in insulin-induced albumin endocytosis. Furthermore we demonstrated a novel interaction between Akt substrate 160kDa (AS160) and cytoplasmic tail of megalin. Mice with type 1 DM (T1D) displayed decreased Akt, megalin, cubilin and AS160 expression in their kidneys in association with urinary cubilin shedding preceding significant MA. Patients with T1D who have developed MA in the EDC (The Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications) study demonstrated urinary cubilin shedding prior to development of MA. We hypothesize that perturbed insulin-Akt cascade in DM leads to alterations in trafficking of megalin and cubilin, which results in urinary cubilin shedding as a prelude to MA in early diabetic nephropathy. We propose that utilization of urinary cubilin shedding, as a urinary biomarker, will allow us to detect and intervene in diabetic nephropathy (DN) at an earlier stage.     

Weight Gain and Management Concerns in Patients on Insulin Therapy

Background: The benefits of tight glycemic control in preventing the onset and progression of microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are unarguable. The majority of patients with type 2 DM will eventually require insulin to achieve adequate glycemic control. Using insulin earlier rather than later in the course of type 2 DM may diminish the deleterious effects of hyperglycemia on β-cell function and therefore help prolong good glycemic control and prevent the occurrence of microvascular complications. However, weight gain is a potential adverse effect of insulin therapy.Objective: The goal of this article was to describe the benefit of insulin therapy early in the course of type 2 DM, review the association of weight gain with insulin therapy, and examine potential detrimental effects that insulin-associated weight gain could have in patients with type 2 DM.Methods: Materials used for this article were identified through a search of MEDLINE (1966–2006). English-language articles were chosen using the search terms diabetes mellitus type 2, insulin, and obesity.Results: Intensive insulin therapy is often associated with weight gain. Although there is concern that weight gain in patients with type 2 DM may have adverse effects on risk factors for cardiovascular disease, unfavorable changes in blood pressure and lipid levels have not been consistently observed in clinical trials. Furthermore, clinical evidence, including data from the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study, supports the view that intensive insulin therapy does not increase the risk for cardiovascular disease.Conclusions: Early insulin therapy in patients with type 2 DM may be a strategy that will help patients achieve and maintain good glycemic control, thereby reducing the risk of developing microvascular complications. Although weight gain is commonly associated with insulin therapy, it does not appear to put these patients at greater risk for cardiovascular disease.     

Automated Insulin Delivery Systems as a Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review

ObjectiveApproximately 6.3% of the worldwide population has type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the number of people requiring insulin is increasing. Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems integrate continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and continuous glucose monitoring with a predictive control algorithm to provide more physiologic glycemic control. Personalized glycemic targets are recommended in T2DM owing to the heterogeneity of the disease. Based on the success of hybrid closed-loop systems in improving glycemic control and safety in type 1 diabetes mellitus, there has been further interest in the use of these systems in people with T2DM.MethodsWe performed a review of AID systems with a focus on the T2DM population.ResultsIn 5 randomized controlled trials, AID systems improve time in range and reduce glycemic variability, without increasing insulin requirements or the risk of hypoglycemia.ConclusionAID systems in T2DM are safe and effective in hospitalized and closely monitored settings. Home studies of longer duration are required to assess for long-term benefit and identify target populations of benefit.     

Assessment of gender-related differences in vitamin D levels and cardiovascular risk factors in Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) including stroke, coronary heart disease, and peripheral artery disease. It remains a leading cause of mortality throughout the world, affecting both women and men. This investigation was aimed to study gender based differences in cardiovascular risk factors of adult population with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to check the correlation between serum HbA1C, lipid profile and serum vitamin D levels, in T2DM patients of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This hospital-based cross-sectional study involving subjects was divided into two gender based groups; normal male (800), diabetic male (800) and normal female (800) and T2DM females (800). Blood samples were analyzed for fasting glucose (FBG), HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (Tg), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and serum levels of 25(OH)-vitamin D in all groups. All the glycemic control parameters and lipid profile parameters were found to be significantly different in diabetic vs non-diabetic group (p < 0.001) in both genders. The results also show that vitamin D concentration decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in diabetic patients than the healthy individuals in both the genders. Vitamin-D and HbA1C were negatively correlated in both males and females in T2DM patients and significant at P < 0.05. Our study reveals that dyslipidemia remains one of the major risk factors of CVD in T2DM. In addition to dyslipidemia, decreased levels of vitamin-D associated with increased HbA1C alarms the early diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes.     

Pulmonary surfactant protein B carried by HDL predicts incident CVD in patients with type 1 diabetes

Atherosclerotic CVD is the major cause of death in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Alterations in the HDL proteome have been shown to associate with prevalent CVD in T1DM. We therefore sought to determine which proteins carried by HDL might predict incident CVD in patients with T1DM. Using targeted MS/MS, we quantified 50 proteins in HDL from 181 T1DM subjects enrolled in the prospective Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 Diabetes study. We used Cox proportional regression analysis and a case-cohort design to test associations of HDL proteins with incident CVD (myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting, angioplasty, or death from coronary heart disease). We found that only one HDL protein—SFTPB (pulmonary surfactant protein B)—predicted incident CVD in all the models tested. In a fully adjusted model that controlled for lipids and other risk factors, the hazard ratio was 2.17 per SD increase of SFTPB (95% confidence interval, 1.12–4.21, P = 0.022). In addition, plasma fractionation demonstrated that SFTPB is nearly entirely bound to HDL. Although previous studies have shown that high plasma levels of SFTPB associate with prevalent atherosclerosis only in smokers, we found that SFTPB predicted incident CVD in T1DM independently of smoking status and a wide range of confounding factors, including HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels. Because SFTPB is almost entirely bound to plasma HDL, our observations support the proposal that SFTPB carried by HDL is a marker—and perhaps mediator—of CVD risk in patients with T1DM.     

Retinol binding protein 4 levels relate to the presence and severity of coronary artery disease

BackgroundThe previous studies have showed that serum retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels increase in metabolic disorders which are closely associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, the human studies investigating the role of RBP4 in CVD are conflicted. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between RBP4 with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in this study.Methods55 patients with presenting acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and 43 control subjects who had various cardiovascular risk factors with normal coronary artery on coronary angiography were included in this study. The serum RBP4 concentrations were measured using ELISA method, clinically and anatomically score models were used to assess the severity of coronary lesion.ResultsSerum RBP4 levels were significantly higher in patients with ACS compared to the without ACS (68.40 ± 47.94 mg/L vs. 49.46 ± 13.64 mg/L; p = 0.014). RBP4 was correlated with GENSINI and SYNTAX I score (r = 0.286 p = 0.034; r = 0.403 p = 0.002 respectively). However, there was no relationship between RBP4 and GRACE score.ConclusionsThe serum RBP4 levels increase in patients with CAD and its increased levels may be correlated with CAD severity.     

1D-CADCapsNet: One dimensional deep capsule networks for coronary artery disease detection using ECG signals

PurposeCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death globally. Electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the electrical activity of the heart, has been used for the diagnosis of CVD. The automated and robust detection of CVD from ECG signals plays a significant role for early and accurate clinical diagnosis. The purpose of this study is to provide automated detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) from ECG signals using capsule networks (CapsNet).MethodsDeep learning-based approaches have become increasingly popular in computer aided diagnosis systems. Capsule networks are one of the new promising approaches in the field of deep learning. In this study, we used 1D version of CapsNet for the automated detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) on two second (95,300) and five second-long (38,120) ECG segments. These segments are obtained from 40 normal and 7 CAD subjects. In the experimental studies, 5-fold cross validation technique is employed to evaluate performance of the model.ResultsThe proposed model, which is named as 1D-CADCapsNet, yielded a promising 5-fold diagnosis accuracy of 99.44% and 98.62% for two- and five-second ECG signal groups, respectively. We have obtained the highest performance results using 2 s ECG segment than the state-of-art studies reported in the literature.Conclusions1D-CADCapsNet model automatically learns the pertinent representations from raw ECG data without using any hand-crafted technique and can be used as a fast and accurate diagnostic tool to help cardiologists.     

Diabetic Foot Complications and Their Risk Factors from a Large Retrospective Cohort Study

BackgroundFoot complications are considered to be a serious consequence of diabetes mellitus, posing a major medical and economical threat. Identifying the extent of this problem and its risk factors will enable health providers to set up better prevention programs. Saudi National Diabetes Registry (SNDR), being a large database source, would be the best tool to evaluate this problem.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of a cohort of 62,681 patients aged ≥25 years from SNDR database, selected for studying foot complications associated with diabetes and related risk factors.ResultsThe overall prevalence of diabetic foot complications was 3.3% with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of (3.16%–3.44%), whilst the prevalences of foot ulcer, gangrene, and amputations were 2.05% (1.94%–2.16%), 0.19% (0.16%–0.22%), and 1.06% (0.98%–1.14%), respectively. The prevalence of foot complications increased with age and diabetes duration predominantly amongst the male patients. Diabetic foot is more commonly seen among type 2 patients, although it is more prevalent among type 1 diabetic patients. The Univariate analysis showed Charcot joints, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), neuropathy, diabetes duration ≥10 years, insulin use, retinopathy, nephropathy, age ≥45 years, cerebral vascular disease (CVD), poor glycemic control, coronary artery disease (CAD), male gender, smoking, and hypertension to be significant risk factors with odds ratio and 95% CI at 42.53 (18.16–99.62), 14.47 (8.99–23.31), 12.06 (10.54–13.80), 7.22 (6.10–8.55), 4.69 (4.28–5.14), 4.45 (4.05–4.89), 2.88 (2.43–3.40), 2.81 (2.31–3.43), 2.24 (1.98–2.45), 2.02 (1.84–2.22), 1.54 (1.29–1.83), and 1.51 (1.38–1.65), respectively.ConclusionsRisk factors for diabetic foot complications are highly prevalent; they have put these complications at a higher rate and warrant primary and secondary prevention programs to minimize morbidity and mortality in addition to economic impact of the complications. Other measurements, such as decompression of lower extremity nerves, should be considered among diabetic patients.     

Can Newer Therapies Delay the Progression of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?

ObjectiveTo review the multifactorial and progressive nature of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the consequences of its progression, and the potential of traditional and newer therapies to delay the progression of this disease.MethodsThe relevant literature is reviewed, and the mechanisms of action of novel agents for treatment of T2DM are discussed.ResultsThe global prevalence of diabetes has been increasing in recent decades, reaching near-epidemic proportions, and is projected to more than double by 2030. More than 90% of cases of diabetes in most countries consist of T2DM, but many individuals remain undiagnosed or are diagnosed only after their disease has progressed considerably. Inadequate glycemic control in a majority of patients with T2DM is due to the progressive nature of the disease, delay in initiating pharmacotherapy, and failure to intensify treatment more quickly in patients who do not achieve glycemic targets. Traditional oral therapies are usually effective at lowering hyperglycemia initially but do not prevent disease progression; thus, many patients ultimately require insulin. Furthermore, because most antidiabetic therapies are associated with weight gain or risk of hypoglycemia (or both), patients may not adhere to treatment recommendations.ConclusionA new therapeutic approach focuses on the use of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1. Analogues of this hormone delay the progression of β-cell dysfunction and promote β-cell regeneration in animal models. In clinical trials, they have been shown to improve glycemic control by increasing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon secretion. At high concentrations, they also slow gastric emptying and increase satiety, which often promotes weight loss. Another approach is to inhibit the enzyme dipeptidyl-peptidase 4, which rapidly inactivates glucagon-like peptide- 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, thereby increasing endogenous incretin levels. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:625-638)     

Insulin resistance and decreased spexin in Indian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Spexin is novel biomarker, which plays a potential role in glucose and lipid metabolisms. However, there was paucity of serum spexin levels in obesity and diabetes mellitus subjects. Hence the current study was aimed to find the relationship between the serum spexin levels in type 2 Diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) with extrapolation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. A cross-sectional study included 330 participants, subdivided as control (n=110), type 2 DM (n=110) and type 2 DM with CVD groups (n=110). HbA1c, insulin, lipid profile, spexin & leptin including blood pressure and body mass index were analyzed from all the participants. The serum spexin levels (ng/ml) were significantly decreased in type 2 DM (mean ± sd: 0.65 ± 0.03) and type 2 DM with CVD (0.48 ± 0.02) groups compared to the control (0.79 ± 0.03) group (p<0.001). The decreased spexin levels were observed in type 2 DM, and further more decreased in type 2 DM with CVD patients compared to controls indicating that spexin levels could be served as an early prediction of obesity-induced T2DM with CVD risk.